Eagles Turn in Big Effort Against Mariners With 85-67 Victory

KINGS POINT, N.Y.- Playing at a place that they have not had much success at, the Juniata men's basketball team turned one of its best performances of the season. The Eagles had four players score in double figures and recorded season highs in overall and three-point percentage as Juniata won 85-67 on Saturday afternoon at Liebertz Gym. It is Juniata's first win in Kings Point since 2008.

On the day, JC shot 28-of-51 (54.9%) from the floor while USMMA was only good on 19-of-51 (37.3%). The Eagles were even better from beyond the three-point arch as they hit 7-of-12 (58.3%) if their attempts to 4-of-17 (23.5%) for the Mariners.

Damon Rickens (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) started his first game of the season and turned in a career performance as he poured in 24 points on 6-of-7 shooting with all of his baskets coming via the three-pointer. He was also a perfect 6-of-6 from the foul line.

Marcus Lee (Carrolltown, Pa./Bishop Carroll) scored 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed five rebounds. Justin Fleming (Richmond Va./Benedictine College Prep) contributed 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting and was 4-of-4 from the charity stripe. He dished out six assists. Brandon Martinazzi (Cresson, Pa./Bishop Carroll) chipped in 16 points and had season highs in both rebounds (7) and assists (4).

In the first half, the Eagles had a 17-15 lead at the 12:27 mark. A 13-5 JC run increased the Eagle advantage in 30-20 with 5:57 left to play in the half. USMMA was able to get to within five points, 34-29 at the break.

The Blue and Gold came out firing in the early moments of the second half as it scored eight straight points to take a 42-29 lead. The Mariners were able to recover as they mounted a 16-11 run to get to within eight points, 53-45, with 13:08 left to play.

Merchant Marine would get as close as nine points, 58-49, with 9:36 left in the game. Juniata's 10-2 run expanded their advantage to 68-51 at 6:26 after Rickens' fifth three pointer of the game. During one stretch, Rickens scored 10 straight points for the Eagles.  JC's lead was no less than 15 points as it won in decisive fashion.

The Mariners claimed the rebounding battle 33-32. Merchant Marine committed 19 turnovers, which the Eagles turned into 21 points compared to the 10 points USMMA scored off of 16 Juniata mistakes. JC also had a strong presence in the paint as it led 30-20.

After a long stretch of games away from Huntingdon, the Eagles return to the friendly confines of Memorial Gymnasium when they host Catholic this coming Wednesday. Tip off will be at 7 p.m.